Why an S&P 500 Record Will Mean More to You Than the Dow's Highs
The Dow has been setting records for the past two weeks, so why should you care if the S&P 500 follows? Because the S&P 500 says much more about the U.S. economy. Here's why:
American International Group
How to Pick the Best Stocks: CEO Candor Predicts Performance
When smart investors consider a stock, they look at profit margins, revenue growth, and a raft of ratios to decide if it's a good buy. But beyond those measurements, here's a subtle and simple guideline that can give you real insight about a company's prospects: How honest is its management?
AIG May Join Bailout Suit Against U.S. Government
The insurer, rescued by the U.S. government in 2008 with a bailout that ultimately totaled $182 billion, may now join a lawsuit against the government alleging the terms of the deal were unfair. The move would be something of a shock development given that AIG just launched a high-profile television ad campaign called "Thank you, America."
Treasury Has Sold Its Last Shares of AIG (and Turned a Profit, Too)
The Treasury Department said Tuesday that it has sold all its remaining shares of AIG, wrapping up the government's biggest bailout of the financial crisis. With this sale, the government has received $22.7 billion more than the $182 billion in support it provided to AIG during the crisis.
Stocks Edge Higher Despite Monti Shocker; McDonald's Boosts Dow
Stocks inched higher on Wall Street Monday after a November sales report at McDonald's helped offset concerns about the surprise resignation of Italy's prime minister, Mario Monti, who has been credited with restoring confidence in Italy's economy.
Dear President Obama: Sell the Government's GM Stake Now
Dear Mr. President: I know you're proud of the effort made by your team back in 2009 to save General Motors. You should be. But as good as this GM thing has been for you, with the election now over, it's time to let go and direct the Treasury to sell its stake in General Motors.
Treasury Sells Big Chunk of AIG Stock at a Profit
The U.S. government cut its stake in American International Group Inc to about 21.5 percent on Monday, making a profit of $12.4 billion on the insurer's crisis-era bailout and bringing the unpopular rescue closer to its end.
Treasury to Cut AIG Stake Below Half in $18 Billion Sale
The U.S. government is selling more of its shares in insurer American International Group, in a move that should decrease its holdings below a majority stake for the first time since the $182 billion bailout in 2008.
Credit Default Swaps: Still Here, Still Able to Wreak Havoc
JPMorgan Chase's rapid $2 billion trading loss reportedly involved credit default swaps -- the same investments that played such a large role in the financial crisis. Here's why credit default swaps still pose such a threat to the U.S. economy.
AIG vs. Bank of America: Banks Vie for 2012 Comeback King Title
AIG is on its way to eclipsing Bank of America as the turnaround story of 2012 as it prepares to report earnings after Thursday's close. Analyst bullishness and a New York Fed asset sale have shareholders pumped.
The Taxpayers' $9 Million CEOs: Think of Them As an Investment
News that the Treasury Department had frozen or reduced executive salaries at companies bailed out under TARP prompted a range of reactions, but here's one you probably didn't hear.
Top Executives at Bailed-Out Firms Have Pay Cut
Nearly 70 top executives at three companies bailed out by the taxpayers during the 2008 financial crisis -- AIG, Ally Financial and GM -- were ordered to take pay 10% cuts by the federal government, and the CEOs had their pay frozen at 2011 levels.
Uncle Sam's Big Bailout Win: A $25 Billion Profit for Taxpayers
Whether or not you think the billions invested in saving the financial industry was worth the cost, the banks were saved. And at least one of those bailouts actually turned a big profit.